5 Tips for Dealing With Dry and Flaking Skin on Your Face
Have you found a dry patch on your face? Several factors could have contributed to dry, flaking skin on your face — or anywhere else on the body. Environmental factors like the weather as well as topical products in your bathroom cabinets can affect the moisture levels in your skin. Here’s the good news: You don’t have to deal with those dry, itchy patches indefinitely. Depending on what's causing your dryness, there are several tips and tricks that can help restore moisture to your skin.
In short:
- Using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer can help support your skin barrier and keep moisture in your skin.
- Small changes, like taking shorter, lukewarm showers and using a humidifier, can help prevent skin from drying out.
- Exfoliation may irritate dry or sensitive skin, so it’s important to exfoliate gently and not too often.
- If dry skin persists despite changes to your skincare routine, talk to a dermatologist or healthcare provider.
What to Do About Dry, Flaky Skin on Your Face
1. Use a Gentle Cleanser
When you’re managing dry skin, there are several ingredients you may want to avoid to help prevent drying or irritating your skin more. Some of these — like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), and drying alcohols — may be hiding out in your cleanser.
Harsh cleansers containing ingredients that strip your skin of its natural sebum and irritate your skin barrier can contribute to dry skin. That’s why we recommend opting for a gentle cleanser when washing your face.
2. Moisturize
After cleansing your skin, always be sure to moisturize. Applying your lotion immediately after bathing or a shower is most effective, because it helps to lock water into the skin. Moisturizing helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, which is critical to keeping eczema under control. You can choose from lotions, creams or ointments designed for dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin.
When choosing a moisturizer, look for minimal formulations and ensure your moisturizer is fragrance free. Products with fragrances can contribute to eczema flare-ups, which makes moisturizing counterproductive.
3. Adjust Shower Habits
Long, hot showers may feel relaxing, but they aren’t great for your skin. To help your skin retain its natural moisture, keep showers to 5–10 minutes, use warm water instead of hot, and wash with a gentle, hydrating body wash that won’t strip your skin.
4. Use a Humidifier
Did you know that running air conditioning and heating in your home or office space pulls the moisture out of the air? Dry air can lead to dry skin, especially in dry climates or during the winter months. The good news: using a humidifier can help replenish moisture in the air. Place your humidifier in rooms where you spend a lot of time, such as a bedroom or home office. Be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent mold, bacteria, or fungus from growing.
5. Practice Safe Sun Habits
If you’ve ever spent too much time out in the sun (haven’t we all?), you know just how drying the sun can be. If you’re already experiencing sensitive, flaking skin, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun’s powerful rays is even more important. Protect your face by wearing a visor or hat and applying sunscreen regularly - even in the winter.
How to Remove Dry Skin From Your Face
Exfoliation generally isn’t recommended for people with dry or sensitive skin. Over-exfoliation can break down the skin barrier and make conditions like eczema or rosacea worse. Talk to your dermatologist or primary care provider about whether exfoliation is appropriate for your skin. If so, consider our Gentle Facial Scrub. It offers a silky gel-to-milk texture and gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells and soften the skin.
More often than not, we don’t recommend touching or toying with dry patches on the face. However, if your flaking skin is coming off in large patches and you’d like to remove the excess skin from your face, it is possible. You may want to try using a damp washcloth or natural sponge to help remove the excess skin. Simply apply light pressure and gently rub the skin in a circular motion.
Avoid exfoliating your skin more than once a week. And remember: if your skin is irritated and inflamed, avoid face scrubs that include harsh exfoliators, because they can make irritation worse and even cause cuts in the skin.
Managing Dry Skin
Dealing with dry skin on your face can be frustrating - but there are steps you can take to restore moisture to your skin.
If you try the tips listed above and your dry skin continues, be sure to make an appointment with your dermatologist or healthcare provider for a personalized treatment plan. There is hope for glad skin that looks smooth and supple — and retains moisture!
Try Gladskin Eczemact Cream
Gladskin's Eczemact Cream is a rich, all-over moisturizer that's clinically proven to reduce eczema symptoms such as itching, redness, and irritation. It soothes dry, flaky skin, and supports barrier resilience and skin comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Skin on Your Face
What causes dry, flaky skin on your face?
Dry, flaky skin can have several causes, including cold or dry weather, indoor heating or air conditioning, hot showers, and skincare products that strip the skin of its natural oils. Certain skin conditions can also contribute to dryness.
How can I moisturize very dry skin on my face?
Use a gentle cleanser followed by a fragrance-free moisturizer formulated for dry or sensitive skin. Applying moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp can help lock in moisture.
Should you exfoliate dry, flaky skin?
Exfoliation isn’t always recommended for dry or sensitive skin, as over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier and increase irritation. If you do exfoliate, choose a gentle product and avoid exfoliating irritated or inflamed skin.
Can hot showers make dry skin worse?
Yes. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and contribute to dryness. Taking shorter showers with warm rather than hot water can help your skin retain moisture.
When should I see a dermatologist about dry skin?
If your dry skin persists despite adjusting your skincare routine or is accompanied by significant irritation, inflammation, discomfort, or other symptoms, talk to a dermatologist or healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
